This time four years ago we would have been celebrating Father's Day as a family.   This year Father's Day is a poignant day for our family.  We will be remembering John Follows who was a loving father to my children Katie and James.  We will be celebrating his life with John's sisters at the Isle of Wight Festival and cheering on the RBC London to Brighton Cycling Team.  Sadly, Bruce Springsteen won't be on the set list.  

John was a wonderful father, husband, colleague, friend, rugby coach, and member of the Honorable Artillery Company.  He was a real gentleman - a man of quiet integrity, and gentle humour   He was not a cyclist but a rugby man through and through. The only time I saw him on a bike was on family holidays at Center Parcs. 

Three years ago my beloved husband collapsed and died in my arms.  His heart stopped after a a cardiac arrest on October 1 2018.- weakened after a prevous heart attack in May 2018.  The air ambulance attened within minutes, and although they managed to get John's heart going - he never came out of the induced coma.   John died one month later on 31 October.

There are things that I have learnt since John died.  One of them is just how valuable friendship and colleagues are.  John's RBC friends checked in on me, invited me for Octoberfest drinks, and gave me a chance to laugh and find out about parts of John's life that I hadn't known about.  They shared photos from Christmas parties, play lists and anecdotes that made me laugh and cry at the same time.  Death, depression and the trough of sorrow are hard to navigate on you own. John's colleagues and ex colleagues have been hugely supportive and I am delighted they are raising money that may help other people care for their heart better, or which may fund research that can prevent others from going through a similar experience.

This kindness of strangers has been a huge comfort.  A relative stranger, Adisa is riding on behalf of the family.  Adisa, is a performance poet, also known as the cycling bard.  He has been working with me in local schools helping young people to discover their creativity.  He is an extraordinary guy - another gentle giant.  Please if you can support this team.